Goodness Anenih
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following an attack by suspected gunmen on party members in Benin City, Edo State.
The gunmen, believed to be political thugs, reportedly attacked ADC chieftains at the residence of former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, shortly after the group returned from the party’s secretariat where Olumide Akpata was formally received into the party.
Reacting to the incident, Obi described the attack as an assault on democracy and pledged that the matter would be reported to the appropriate authorities.
He assured party members that steps would be taken to ensure those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
Obi accused the APC-led Federal Government of undermining democratic institutions, alleging that the current administration is weakening governance structures in the country.
According to the former Anambra State governor, worsening economic conditions and rising poverty levels have made it necessary for the ADC to work towards rescuing the country’s democracy.
Akpata also condemned the attack, describing the incident as unacceptable and calling for an end to political violence.
In a statement, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi described the attack as a disturbing development, insisting that the party would not be intimidated and would continue to pursue its activities peacefully.